Wiktor Wise
If you're a driver in California, you can apply for a Clean Air Vehicle decal, also known as a carpool sticker, for your electric or hybrid vehicle. This allows you to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, also known as carpool lanes, without having the minimum number of passengers normally required. To be eligible, your vehicle must meet certain emissions standards, and you must complete an application and pay a fee. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) publishes a list of vehicles eligible for the decal, and you can apply for the decal through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application Process | Online or by mail |
| Application Fee | $27 |
| Application Processing Time | 30 days |
| Validity | 4 years |
| Replacement Fee | $22 |
| Eligibility | Electric and hybrid vehicles from Ford, Nissan, Chevy, and Honda dating back to 1998. Hydrogen or compressed natural gas-powered vehicles are also eligible. |
| Purpose | Spur the adoption of BEV/PHEV/alternative fuel vehicles |
| Expiry Date | 30 September 2025 |
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What You'll Learn
Check if your vehicle is eligible for a California Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal
To check if your vehicle is eligible for a California Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal, you must refer to the official list of qualifying vehicles established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This list is based on vehicle emissions standards.
Vehicles that meet California's super ultra-low emission vehicle (SULEV), inherently low-emission vehicle (ILEV), and transitional zero-emission vehicle (TZEV) evaporative emission standards for exhaust emissions are eligible for the CAV decal. Compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fuelled vehicles may also qualify for the CAV decal program.
If you have a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle purchased on or after January 1, 2018, and your gross annual income exceeds certain thresholds, you cannot obtain a CAV decal if you have received a consumer rebate through CARB's Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP). In such cases, you may need to choose between the CAV decal and the CVRP rebate.
Additionally, vehicles with temporary or paper license plates are not eligible for the CAV decal. If your vehicle was issued a decal that has expired, it is no longer eligible. However, replacement decals are available if the original decal was lost, stolen, or not received, or if the vehicle was involved in an accident affecting decal placement.
It is important to note that the CAV decal program is subject to authorization by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the program may end sooner than specified if authorization is not granted.
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Complete the Clean Air Vehicle decal application
To apply for a California Clean Air Vehicle decal, you must first ensure that your vehicle is eligible. This can be done by calling 1-800-242-4450 or checking online to see if your car has already been approved to receive a carpool sticker.
Once you have confirmed that your vehicle is eligible, you can complete the Clean Air Vehicle decal application. This can be done online via the California Department of Motor Vehicles website. The online application will check your eligibility automatically. It is important to note that vehicles with temporary or paper license plates are not eligible for a CAV decal.
When completing the application, ensure that you enter your name exactly as it appears on your registration card. If your current mailing address does not match the address on your vehicle registration, be sure to update your address and allow three days for processing.
After submitting your application, you will need to pay a $27 CAV decal fee. All credit/debit card transactions include an additional 1.95% payment processing fee, so it may be preferable to pay directly from your bank account to avoid these extra charges.
Once your application has been approved, you will receive your CAV decal and an ID card stating that you can drive in a carpool lane alone. It is important to note that CAV decals are issued to the vehicle and must remain with that vehicle. They cannot be transferred to any other vehicle.
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Pay the $27 CAV decal fee
To apply for an electric vehicle carpool sticker, you must pay the $27 CAV decal fee. This fee is a requirement for California drivers who want to take advantage of the carpool lane and cut down their commute time. The decal and an identification card allow drivers to use the carpool lane or High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane with only one person in the car.
The $27 CAV decal fee can be paid online using a credit or debit card, which includes an additional 1.95% payment processing fee. Alternatively, you can avoid this extra fee by paying directly from your bank account. Before paying the fee, you can check online to see if your car model has already been approved to receive a carpool sticker. The online list provides eligible makes and models dating back to 1998.
It is important to note that the decal must be transferred to your name if you purchase a vehicle that already has a CAV decal. Additionally, the decal cannot be transferred to another vehicle, and California law only allows an eligible vehicle to participate in the CAV Decal program once.
The CAV decal program is run by the DMV in partnership with CARB, and the decal must be renewed every four years. The decals are currently red, green, and yellow, expiring on September 30, 2025. The blue decal, issued in 2021, will expire on January 1, 2025.
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Submit your application online or by mail
To apply for an electric vehicle carpool sticker, or Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal, you can submit your application online or by mail.
Online Application
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has an online application for the Clean Air Vehicle decal. This application will automatically check your eligibility. To apply, you will need to enter your name exactly as it appears on your registration card.
Mail Application
To apply by mail, you will need to complete a Clean Air Vehicle Decal application and send it to the address listed on the form. You can find the application form on the DMV website.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a CAV decal, your vehicle must meet California's super ultra-low emission vehicle (SULEV), inherently low-emission vehicle (ILEV), or transitional zero-emission vehicle (TZEV) evaporative emission standard for exhaust emissions. Compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-fueled vehicles may also qualify.
Fees
There is a \$27 CAV decal fee, which can be paid by credit/debit card or directly from your bank account. Credit/debit card transactions include an additional 1.95% payment processing fee.
Processing Time
The DMV typically takes up to 30 days to process applications and notify applicants of their approval. If your application is approved, you will receive a CAV decal and an ID card that allows you to drive in the carpool lane alone.
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Wait to receive your decal and ID card
Once you have submitted your application for a California Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal, you will need to wait to receive your decal and ID card. The decal and ID card will be sent to you by mail. The time it takes to receive your decal and ID card may vary depending on the method of application and other factors.
If you applied for your CAV decal by mail, you should typically receive a response from the DMV within 30 days regarding your approval. If approved, you will then receive your decal and ID card. If you applied online, some users have reported receiving their decal within five business days. However, it is important to note that processing times may vary, and there may be instances where it takes longer to receive your decal and ID card.
It is important to wait for your decal and ID card to arrive before driving in the carpool lane alone. Driving in the carpool lane without a passenger before receiving your decal and ID card may result in penalties.
In addition, keep in mind that the CAV decal program has an expiration date. The red, green, and yellow CAV decals expire on September 30, 2025, while the blue decal issued in 2021 will expire on January 1, 2025. All decals issued before 2021 have now expired.
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Frequently asked questions
You can apply for a California Clean Air Vehicle Decal (also known as a carpool sticker) online from the DMV website. You can check if your vehicle is eligible online or by calling 1-800-242-4450.
There is a \$27 CAV decal fee. All credit/debit card transactions include an additional 1.95% payment processing fee. There are no additional fees if you pay directly from your bank account.
Drivers will usually hear back from the DMV within 30 days. If your application is approved, you will receive a CAV decal and ID card.
The decal lasts for four years and cannot be renewed under California law. All decals issued before 2021 have now expired.
Yes, you can take advantage of EV tax credits and rebates, and save on fuel and maintenance costs.
